Patagonia

Check in to our hotel, located in the upscale Recoleta district.

After a morning at leisure, venture to the colorful Boca and San Telmo neighborhoods of Buenos Aires for a private tour of the 16th-century El Zanjon de Granados, the oldest building in Buenos Aires. This evening, attend a welcome reception and private tango performance, followed by dinner at our hotel.

Venture outside the city to nearby San Antonio de Areco, a gaucho town that dates back to the early 18th century. Visit the renowned silver museum, Museo Draghi, and watch as modern artists employ guarded techniques that have been passed down from family member to family member. Continue on to a private estancia for a savory Argentine barbecue. After lunch, meet with gauchos and watch as they demonstrate their equine skills, all of which they still use in their daily lives. Return to Buenos Aires this afternoon for an evening at leisure.

Spend the morning exploring the central and northern parts of Buenos Aires, including visits to the capital city’s main square, Plaza de Mayo, with its neoclassical cathedral; the presidential palace and seat of the national government known as the Casa Rosada (or “Pink House''); the verdant parks and gardens of the Palermo district and the famous Recoleta cemetery. Catch an afternoon flight to Ushuaia, set on the Beagle Channel and backed by snow-capped mountains.

This morning, we hike through the forest of Cerro Alarken Natural Reserve, famous for its austere beauty. After lunch back in town, visit the End of the World Museum, dedicated to preserving the history of Tierra del Fuego.  Then embark the Ventus Australis and cruise along the Beagle Channel, named for the ship that carried Charles Darwin on his momentous voyage. Watch for fabled albatrosses and giant petrels as they soar above the ship’s wake.

Weather permitting, ride Zodiacs to the legendary Cabo de Hornos (Cape Horn) for a panoramic view from the southernmost tip of South America. Later, we anchor at Wulaia Bay, once home to the region’s largest native settlement and one of the places where Charles Darwin landed during his voyage. Choose one of three hikes to explore the spectacular beauty of the Magellanic forest.

Today, disembark in Pia Fjord to experience the Pia Glacier up close. After a brief hike, take in panoramic views of the spectacular glacier. Back aboard our ship, cruise further west along the Beagle Channel and board Zodiacs, navigating between high rocky cliffs to Porter Glacier, where we stop to admire its formidable mass.

This morning, enter Agostini Sound, where we disembark our ship and enjoy a gentle walk around the glacial meltwater lagoon near the base camp of the 20th-century explorer and missionary, Father Alberto María de Agostini. Arrive at the foot of the Águila Glacier and marvel at its kaleidoscope of blue hues. This afternoon, while approaching the Condor Glacier via Zodiac, keep an eye out for the Andean Condor, abundant in this area.

This morning, ride Zodiacs to Marta Island, home to a colony of South American Sea Lions. Disembark our ship in Punta Arenas and continue by bus across the southern pampas. Check in to the stunning Explora Lodge in Torres del Paine National Park, our home for the next four nights.

Enjoy three full days exploring southern Chile’s most impressive region, Torres del Paine National Park. Visit Grey Lake with its incredibly blue ice sculptures shaped by the elements and Salto Grande, a glacial waterfall set amid stunning views of the majestic Paine Massif. Each day, choose from a variety of activities. Hike through beech forests along the shore of Laguna Azul; enjoy a horseback ride through the windswept pampas; look for herds of guanacos and rheas, flocks of flamingos, soaring condors, foxes, and black-necked swans on a photo safari; and take advantage of Explora Lodge’s relaxing amenities while enjoying spectacular views of the Paine Massif. We cap off our stay with a festive Patagonian barbecue.

Drive this morning to Punta Arenas for our flight to Santiago, stopping for lunch along the way. Upon arrival in Santiago, check in to our hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Today’s exploration of Santiago includes a walk through its historic center and a visit to the Museum of Pre-Columbian Art. Toast the conclusion of our journey during a farewell wine tasting and lunch at Santa Rita Winery. Later, transfer to the airport for homeward bound overnight flights.